NPERA Seeks Stronger Maritime Collaboration to Unlock Akwa Ibom’s Trade Potential
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Dr Pius Akutah, MON, has called on maritime stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State to strengthen collaboration with the Agency to develop local capacity, address infrastructure challenges and unlock the state’s maritime and trade opportunities.
Dr Akutah made the call during an engagement with maritime stakeholders at NPERA’s Port Office in Uyo, where he stressed the need for collective commitment and sustained cooperation between the Agency and industry operators to develop the state’s maritime sector.
He urged stakeholders to identify areas of mutual interest and work with NPERA on practical initiatives, noting that the Agency, its Port Office and the maritime community must operate as partners with a shared responsibility for sector development.
The NPERA Director-General challenged stakeholders to develop a clear proposal for a private jetty to address the anchorage needs of vessels operating in Akwa Ibom waters. He said a detailed proposal would provide a basis for further discussions and consideration.
On the proposed deep-sea port, Akutah advised stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive technical presentation outlining the project’s current status, opportunities and development requirements. He said the document would support engagement with the Akwa Ibom State Government and be presented to the Governor for assessment.
He also disclosed that following his participation in a conference in China, 10 shipping lines had indicated interest in calling at Nigerian ports, describing the development as an opportunity to strengthen shipping connections and expand maritime business.
The Director-General further emphasised the importance of capacity development, urging stakeholders to identify areas of collaboration that would support locally delivered training programmes and improve the skills and expertise available within the state’s maritime industry.
He encouraged stakeholders to also take advantage of the Cargo Defence Fund, which remains available to support shippers and promote greater participation in maritime trade.
Earlier, the stakeholders welcomed the establishment of NPERA’s Port Office in Uyo, describing it as an important step towards improving engagement with shippers, addressing industry concerns and creating opportunities for maritime growth in the state.
They called for the deployment of NPERA personnel to schools in Uyo to promote maritime training, knowledge transfer and awareness of opportunities within the industry.
The stakeholders also raised concerns over infrastructure challenges affecting maritime operations, disclosing that more than 300 fishing vessels reportedly operate in Akwa Ibom waters without designated anchorage points. They identified the proposed private jetty as a possible solution to some of the challenges facing vessel operators.
They also expressed interest in the proposed deep-sea port, describing it as an important project that could expand the state’s maritime and economic opportunities.
On the institutional front, the stakeholders recalled that the Shippers Association had remained largely inactive for about 20 years before the establishment of NPERA’s Port Office. They expressed optimism that the Agency’s presence would help revitalise the association, strengthen the shipping community and encourage greater participation in maritime trade.
The engagement forms part of NPERA’s efforts to strengthen stakeholder relations and promote partnerships that will support maritime development, trade facilitation and the growth of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
NPERA Seeks Stronger Maritime Collaboration to Unlock Akwa Ibom’s Trade Potential